A DECISION on whether to give the go-ahead for a third runway at Heathrow Airport has been delayed until early next year, with Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon saying he wanted to “give proper consideration to the evidence before me”.

Opponents of the scheme – which would have an impact on areas of Spelthorne and Runnymede – had been bracing themselves for a ruling on the controversial plans before Christmas.

The government has previously indicated it supported the further development of Heathrow, “subject to meeting strict local conditions on air quality, noise and improving public transport access”, while the Conservatories have pledged to scrap the proposals if they win the next general election.

Two periods of public consultations have been held this year, the second of which ended on November 9.

Mr Hoon said in a statement: “Since being appointed Secretary of State for Transport in October, I have had the opportunity to hear views from across the House of Commons in debate… and to begin considering the evidence, including the 70,000 responses to the consultation.

“I share the desire on all sides of the House, and among the wider public, for this issue to be resolved.

“I am equally aware of the importance of reaching the right conclusion. I know that there are strong views across a range of interests.

“I will ensure that I give proper consideration to the evidence before me and will therefore take more time before making an announcement to the House, in January 2009.”

A spokesperson for Heathrow operator BAA said: "Given the complexity of the issues involved, we understand why the government is taking further time to consider these matters.

"We welcome the fact that the government has now committed to making a decision in January on how we keep Heathrow and this country globally competitive by maintaining our direct access to the world."

But John Stewart, chair of protest group HACAN ClearSkies, commented: "I think this is a sign that the government is looking again at Heathrow expansion."

He said he thought ministers were feeling the weight of opposition from local community groups, opposition parties and some Labour MPs as well.

Mr Stewart also raised the prospect of the credit crunch causing the government to "really look again at whether a third runway will be required in times of recession".

Twenty-one local authorities in London and surrounding counties have built up the 2M Group to campaign against expansion at Heathrow, leaving Spelthorne Borough Council standing alone in its support.

The Conservative-led council supports a third runway “subject to appropriate consideration being given to environmental matters such as noise and transport”.

Councillor John Packman, leader of the council, said the airport needed to “expand and prosper”, citing the employment benefits it brought to Spelthorne.

But Mr Stewart questioned the arguments, saying: "There really is no guarantee that expansion of Heathrow is going to bring more jobs, because the trend over the past 10 years has been for there to be fewer jobs in the aviation industry because of new technologies coming in."

And he added: "The [environmental] conditions they're talking about could not get over the central concern that there would be more planes coming into Heathrow and flying over people's houses in Spelthorne."